“How safe is that neighbourhood?,” is one of the first things buyers ask and some real estate agents can’t answer. As agents, we are limited and can’t give an expert response. However, we can do the homework for the homebuyers and offer a polite suggestion. We can go online and research the area. We can look up local reviews and view crime statistics over the last few years. But that’s not enough! Suggest to your client that they take a walk in the neighbourhood and observe its characteristics. Here are a few things that I feel are crucial to look for when assessing is the neighbourhood you’re moving to safe.
1. Listen to your intuition
If you feel something is not right, then chances are you are right. Go into the neighbourhood and eat your lunch in the local park. If you feel safe while eating then the area is a good fit for you. Take a closer look at that park. I always tell my clients that local parks are characteristic of what the neghbourhood is like. Look around the park and ask yourself, are their condom wrappers and used condoms? Are their used syringes lying around? Do you see empty marijuana “dime bags.” Is there graffiti?
2. Local Police Presence
Neighbourhoods that are characterized as crime riddled and problematic often attract strong police presence. Increased uniform police patrols in the neighbourhood are good indicators that the area is not safe. Next time you are in a particular area, stop a police officer and ask them about the neighbourhood. What better person to ask.
3. Neighbourhood activity
What are the residents in the area like? Observe their homes. Are their broken windows? Broken windows, dilapidated buildings, abandoned lots, missing streetlights, rampant graffiti, unkempt yards attract crime. Will people who let their lots fall into disrepair treat you badly as well? Always remember, it’s the neighbors, not the police, who will serve as the first and best line of defence. If the lawns aren’t mowed, the trash is not picked up, that shows people have no pride in the neighborhood. If you care about the neighborhood, you’re probably going to care about your neighbors too.
Take a walk. Do you see damaged signs? Potholes in the road? Breaks in the sidewalk? It gives you an indication that the local council is not doing a good job. The physical condition of the roadways will tell you a lot.
4. Local Businesses
The local businesses in the area serve as a great indication of the neighbourhood type. Tattoo parlors, pawnshops and payday loan stores are warning signs. I’m not saying that those businesses are bad. One or two of these businesses in the area isn’t cause for concern, but if they are on every street corner, it is worth noting as a possible downside of the area.
5. Property Values
If the area in question has either stagnant property prices or prices that are significantly lower than their surrounding areas, this could be an indication of an undesirable location to live.
In closing, once you purchase a home you can’t change its location. A home might be tough to sell if the neighborhood isn’t that great, so be careful where you choose. Everyone’s definition of a bad neighborhood is different.
As a resident of the city of Mississauga, we are very fortunate not only to have one of the best mayor’s in North America, but also a police department that prides itself on creating a safer community for its residents.
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